Swimming Program

Our swim program is designed to be fun and challenging for all ages and abilities. Swim lessons for beginner through advanced levels.

Roughing It’s swim program provides American Red Cross swim lessons for beginner through advanced levels. All campers swim three times a week in their camper group and are assigned to swim classes based on their ability level.

Each swim period is 40 minutes long, with 30 minute lessons (American Red Cross instruction) followed by 10 minutes of free swim. Skill level instruction and age appropriate activates ensure success for each camper. The group counselor and junior counselor assist the swim staff, and give individual support to campers who may need extra encouragement.

Our swim program is located at the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga. We use a shallow lap pool for our beginner lessons, and the Olympic size pool and diving pool for more advanced lessons.

All of our swim staff are certified lifeguards, and senior staff are ARC Water Safety Instructor certified. The swim counselors use games and positive reinforcement to teach swim skills in a fun manner to help campers progress in their swim lessons, while learning to enjoy swimming at the same time!

Skill Level Evaluation & Lessons

On the first day of camp, every camper will be evaluated by our trained swim staff. Campers of equal swimming ability will be placed into groups for swim lessons, enabling each camper to improve their skills and gain confidence in the pool. The Swim groups range from 1-6 campers in size, with one Roughing It Swim Counselor. The campers will remain in the same group with the same swim counselor for the duration of the session. One-one instruction is given to a non-swimmer with the goal of bringing that camper into a small group lesson.

Learn to Swim – Water Readiness Program

Non-swimmers take part in Roughing It’s Water Readiness Program, which helps campers gain confidence and learn basic water safety skills. Through one-on-one instruction, games, water activities campers have fun in the pool while preparing for the beginner ARC swim levels.

Teen Swim Clinics

Our Teens can hone and learn new swim skills through endurance building, stroke improvement, water polo, diving, synchronized swimming, water basketball, and basic water rescue clinics.) Clinics are designed for all skill levels with options for advanced swimmer. Learn more »

Campers 5th grade and older participate in SuperChoice and can choose more swim clinics every Friday.